"It's really hilarious," Cielo said, shaking his head as he laughed. He was talking to them through a video call—they were all being careful these days.
"My cousin's such a clown," Julie muttered, rolling her eyes.
Cielo laughed even harder at her reaction.
"Julie, sit still!" Kelly scolded from behind as she tugged gently on Julie's long hair.
"Ouch, Kelly!" Julie complained.
"So, what's the plan?" Joel asked.
Cielo paused, thinking. "Honestly? It's best to play along until the truth comes out."
"Huh?" Julie blinked. "You're actually agreeing to this?"
"What else can we do?" he replied calmly. "The rumor's already spreading. Everyone who knows Gabriel is just laughing about it anyway. And who knows—it might even work in our favor."
"Wait," Julie suddenly said, turning toward Gabriel, who was sitting beside her. "Gab—does Airah even know we're cousins?"
Gabriel leaned closer to the camera. "Nope. She knows me, but not the family part. She'll believe it easily."
Julie let out a breath. "Well then…"
Cielo looked straight at her through the screen."Let's do it, Julie."
She glanced up while Kelly continued fixing her hair for the event later that day."Yes?"
"Let's use your Pop Princess identity later," Cielo said. "Stir things up a little. Make it messier."
Julie blinked—then smirked. "Oh right. We do know each other." She chuckled. "Fine. Go ahead. Lead the drama, Ciel."
Cielo grinned. "That way, I get to date you in public."
"I knew it," Kenneth teased from the side. "You're just using Pop Princess to cause more chaos about your relationship."
"Exactly," Cielo replied without shame. "So—are we good?"
Julie gave him a thumbs-up. "No problem. Just make sure you come later, okay? Kenneth, I'll wait for you too. And don't forget—we're hanging out next week."
"I'll be there," Kenneth promised with a smile.
"Finally," Kelly muttered. "She's so restless, Ciel." She gave Julie's hair one last adjustment.
Cielo chuckled. "By the way, I'll bring the book you wanted later."
"Really?!" Kelly's eyes lit up.
"Yep." He held it up on the screen.
"Oh… that book," Kelly murmured dreamily.
"There goes your girlfriend again," Jonathan teased.
Kevin sighed. "See you later. Mom's still feeding and dressing Feah—she's way too excited to see you, Julie."
Julie smiled sweetly.
"Julie," Cielo said softly, "you're really beautiful. I love you."
Her cheeks warmed. "I love you too."
Cielo smiled to himself. She's so cute.
Someone suddenly cleared their throat loudly in the background.
"Cielo," Kenneth said, patting his shoulder, "you need to get ready too. Stop staring at your girlfriend. She's already yours."
The others laughed.
They ended the call, and Cielo began preparing for the event.
******
"That was so sweet," Nicole teased Julie. "Everyone's inspired again."
Julie didn't reply, but she thought quietly, Cielo's right. Even in simple clothes, she looks beautiful.
"We'll take pictures later," Melissa said.
Julie laughed and nodded.
"That's why your boyfriend can't get enough of you," Kelly teased.
"What do you mean by can't get enough?" Julie asked innocently.
"Well," Kelly smirked, "he keeps trying to hog you. We should be grateful today."
Nicole burst into laughter.
"Alright, let's go," Kelly said, leading the way.
Soon, they arrived at the venue. Chris and the others joined them, and Kenneth's band was already there. He waved, and they hurried over.
Nicole noticed how popular the band was—fans immediately recognized them. Kenneth entertained them kindly, smiling the whole time.
"Wow," Nicole said softly. "They're really famous."
"They are," her brother agreed, ruffling her hair.
Gabriel arrived with Chris and Cielo. Cielo immediately handed Kelly the book she'd been waiting for.
"Thank you, Cielo!" Kelly said happily.
Kevin quickly grabbed it. "What's this about?"
"Hey—give it back!" Kelly pouted.
"Let me read it first."
She reached for it, but he held it up high.
Nicole sighed—then spotted Feah.
"Kelly, Feah's here," Nicole said, waving.
"Oh, Feah!" Kelly exclaimed, lifting the little girl. Melissa laughed.
"Let me carry her. Now give me my book—I still need to read it."
"Kelly, you act like her mom," Nicole teased.
Joel ruffled Nicole's hair again, pulling her closer. "She's not wrong."
Kenneth approached and finally sat down.
"Let's take a picture later," Nicole suggested.
"Later," Kenneth replied. "Let me rest first."
He looks tired, Nicole thought.
"Hello, Feah," Kenneth greeted warmly.
"Brother Ken!" Feah waved.
They settled into their seats.
"Did you come to see Pop Princess?" Nicole asked.
Feah nodded excitedly. "Brother Kevin said I could watch today!"
Nicole giggled.
"Kevin, where's her milk?" Kelly asked.
"Here," he replied. "Tell me if she gets heavy."
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not. You spoil her too much."
"She's just a kid."
"Get a room," Jonathan muttered.
Everyone laughed.
"It's about to start," Chris said, checking his watch.
"Looks like it," Jason agreed.
The venue slowly filled.
It's going to be wild again, Nicole thought, excitement stirring despite everything. She leaned into her boyfriend as he wrapped an arm around her.
"Let me know if you need anything," he whispered.
She nodded with a smile.